The Philippines will acquire its first diesel-electric submarines earlier than expected, as part of its military capability upgrade amid growing security challenges in the region.

Defense spokesperson Dir. Arsenio Andolong said Wednesday that the purchase of submarines had been moved from the military’s shopping list under Horizon 3 to Horizon 2.

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Projects under Horizon 2 will be implemented from 2018 to 2022, while Horizon 3 projects will run from 2023 to 2028.

“We will be joining the exclusive club of countries [with submarines]. In the Navy there are two symbols of force projection, symbol of power — those are the aircraft carrier and submarines,” Andolong said.

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